Pets are truly a gift. They provide us with love, attention, and emotional support, even though they can’t even talk. And in return, we buy them tennis balls, the best food, a cat backpack with window, and spoil them rotten! We also pay close attention to their well-being which is especially important in hot weather.
Remember when it is hot for you, it is even hotter for your four-legged friends. Dogs and cats do not sweat through their skin. They cool themselves by panting or rapid breathing, which means dogs and cats must work extra hard to stay cool. Too much heat can be extremely dangerous or even fatal for companion animals. LA Animal Services reminds pet owners about the hazards of hot weather and how to keep your furry loved ones healthy and comfortable.
Here are some pet safety tips:
Never leave your pet alone inside a vehicle
If your pet cannot go inside at every stop with you, they are safer at home on hot days. Car interiors heat very quickly, even with the windows open. If it is 90 degrees f out, temperatures can top 160 degrees f faster than you can walk around the block. In fact, it’s against the law to leave an animal in a vehicle if doing so endangers the health or well-being of the animal. If you’re not sure what the temperature is before you leave the house, visit this site here to get a weather station to install on your house. That way, you’ll always know when it’s too hot outside for your dog.
Give your pet extra water
Always make sure that your dog or cat has plenty of freshwater to drink. A bucket that holds a gallon or more of water will stay cool longer than water in a shallow pan. Some dogs consider ice cubes a treat, and you can add a few to the water bowl.
Care for your pet’s coat
Longer coated dogs and cats who are brushed regularly have natural insulation from the heat. However, if the coat has gotten matted, a clip will make your buddy much more comfortable. Newly clipped and lighter coated pets, especially white ones, are at higher risk for skin cancer and are more susceptible to sunburn.
Don’t leave your pet outdoors for a long time
If your dog has to be left outdoors for a while, make sure they have plenty of access to shade such as trees, a covered patio, or a cool spot under the porch. Apply a pet-specific or hypoallergenic sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose, tips of ears, and belly especially if they have light or thin fur. Dogs and cats with a lot of fur tend to feel hotter than their less-fur counterparts. Usually, they are kept in an air-conditioned room so as to not feel hot during the hot weather. If you have furry four-legged friends in the house, you might want to get your AC unit checked. Expert HVAC services like this ac repair in Colorado Springs can help you out to get your AC checked. If you do not live near Colorado Springs, you could look at AC repair services in your vicinity.
Avoid hot ground surfaces
While walking your dog outdoors, pay particular attention to the pavement, sidewalks or sand. Check the temperature with your hand, if it’s too hot to touch then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Consider taking the pet bed or kennel with you if you absolutely must go out while the weather is too hot. You could purchase these online on sites like PetCareRx (www.petcarerx.com) or other similar e-stores.
Know the signs of overheating
If your dog or cat begins very rapid, noisy breathing has trouble swallowing and looks very distressed, they could be having a heatstroke. Get the animal out of the heat. Apply cold, wet towels to the back of the head. Place cold packs wrapped in towels or plain wet towels between the back legs and on the belly. Cool off your pet and take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Remember, companion animals want to be with you. They will be safer and cooler inside with you, where they can spend their time doing what they do best: being your best friend.
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